The most unexpected persons next to my parents to visit me are my friends. Well, true friends for this matter. Joan and Joanne went to our house early this evening. Fresh from her Graduation, Joan wanted me to go to there house. Joanne, on the other hand looked so pretty with her newly cut hair. She’s so beautiful.

I miss the two of them, especially Joanne who turned to be a Pasig Catholic College student since last year. She used to be my classmate since First Year. Memories of the two of them (and the three of us altogether) rushed on the very corners of my brain as we were traveling.

Four years ago, Joan was a mere seatmate. On the first day of my high school life, she is the first classmate I befriended. Since then we became very good friends. Joanne, on the other hand, was just three seats away from my right. We became closer to each other on our Second Year. When the time came that Joanne had to leave Rizal High School to transfer to PCC, Joan and I became so sad but then the good thing is that Joanne didn’t change.

Ngayon lang ulit kami nagkasamang tatlo.The last time was late last 2006, I guess. We just ate dinner on Joan’s house and laugh out loud at the top of our souls. We are best of friends!

I considered that the three of us are going to different campuses next school year but I am assuring myself that we will remain on the hearts of each other. I will miss Joan and Joanne.

Everytime the clock strikes nine, I give a break to whatever I am doing. It’s because I know that as the grandfather clock in the drawing room makes this creepy sound alarming every hour of every day, the rings of the telephone will amplify to my ears, and even before the clock stops its hourly habit, she is already in the opposite line—talking to me.

Her name is Denise, my best friend since First Year High School. She is the one I was talking about on a previous post about a departure and a coming back. Since the news about her return came to my ears, I have always waited for her call. Days and nights passed without her presence; even her voice seemed to be non-existent.

Well, last night appeared to be the night I was waiting for. The telephone rang at exactly 9:00 pm. During that time, I was busy on reading a Stephen King novel. The rings of the telephone looked like an enchanting hymn of a leprechaun. The fairy-like attraction undoubtedly allured me. I hurriedly made my way to the telephone and picked it up. I waited for the absorption of her voice which transpired immediately. Upon hearing her voice, my heart melted and my mind became a clay toiled on a furnace.

“Musta na?”

“Ikaw na ba ‘yan, Denise?”

“Sino pa ba?”

“Ikaw ba talaga ‘yan?”

“Ano sa tingin mo?”

“Hindi nga?”

“Hindi ka ba naniniwala?”

“Puro tayo tanong.”

“Wala namang sagot.”

We laughed. We laughed as if a year of not being together did not pass. Her sweet voice truly dissolved my inner being.

“I miss you, Jonell.”

“Miss din kita.”

She promised me that she’ll treat me out this evening. I can’t wait to see her again. I want to see how California changed her appearance. I want to learn more about her experiences there. Wow! My best friend is back. I can only imagine our togetherness… surpassing yet again another chapter of our lives.